• Full Time Ongoing (0.8 – negotiable)
• Level 4 (based on published Level / Grade Remuneration Scales)
• Collingwood, Hybrid flexible work style

The Organisation

As Australia’s only national bird conservation charity, we are on a mission to put birds and nature on the path to recovery within a decade, leading and facilitating action that halts biodiversity loss and restores ecosystems. We can only achieve this with the help and support afforded to us by our diverse stakeholders including supporters, campaigners, donors, members and like-minded conservation organisations.

BirdLife Australia takes a science and evidence-based approach to bird conservation. Where strong conservation plans are in place and well-resourced the evidence tells us that threatened species can be brought back from the brink of extinction. With a 100-plus year history and Australia’s strongest and longest-lived collection of data and surveys, BirdLife Australia brings a wealth of observation and experience to the protection of native birds.

BirdLife Australia is a diverse organisation with more than 350,000 supporters, donors, volunteers, campaigners and members, over 130 staff across Australia, and a network of more than 40 voluntary community groups. BirdLife Australia is truly local to global, with a network of more than 40 voluntary community groups on the ground in Australia and is the Australian member of the BirdLife International partnership, the world’s largest partnership for conservation.

Our growing network of people generously gives their time, expertise, voice and financial support, standing together with us to help protect Australia’s unique birdlife.

A significant part of BirdLife Australia’s work is done by volunteers acting either alone, in organised groups or serving on Committees. It is important that all staff understand and appreciate the contribution made by volunteers, and are also mindful of their varying skills, interests and motivations.

BirdLife Australia acknowledges the important role First Nations People throughout Australia have played, and continue to play, caring for Country. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community and pay respect to Traditional Owners and their cultures, and to their Elders both past and present. BirdLife Australia endeavours to facilitate the further engagement of Indigenous Australians in the research and conservation of our native birds.

Position objective

The objective of this position is to develop and implement an innovative portfolio of conservation and research projects to ensure the effective prioritisation of species and sites for conservation action and assist with the implementation and evaluation of BirdLife Australia’s Bird Conservation Strategy including through the development of Conservation Action Plans and other planning frameworks, ultimately aiming to prevent the extinction of at-risk birds across Australia. The position will play a role to support BirdLife Australia’s Research and Conservation Committee (RACC) and also oversee the development of our science assets including scientific publications and key research and knowledge sharing initiatives, such as HANZAB and the Australasian Ornithological Conference.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Manager Science & Innovation will develop an innovative portfolio of research initiatives and conservation projects to support recovery actions, in partnership with key stakeholders, to prevent the extinction of at-risk birds across the nation. This role will also oversee our publications and other science assets.

• Identify and develop an innovative portfolio of research initiatives for our most imperiled birds across the nation
• Prioritise species and coordinate the development of Conservation Action Plans or other similar planning frameworks.
• Support conservation programs to determine research priorities and design appropriate research and monitoring projects, including a terrestrial Fixed Site Monitoring Network
• Support the development of decision-making tools, metrics and indicators to inform an evidence-based approach to conservation alongside the Bird Conservation Strategy team
• Partner with internal and external staff to identify and accomplish priority science and research projects
• Assist in producing associated documents, including funding applications, technical reports and scientific publications
• Negotiate or identify funding resources to support implementation of priority research initiatives
• Maintain and oversee actions register, governance, annual progress reporting and record keeping
• Oversee BirdLife’s scientific publications including Emu-Austral Ornithology and Australian Field Ornithology (AFO) journals and HANZAB online.
• Oversee the delivery of the biennial Australasian Ornithological Conference
• Support the Director to run the Research and Conservation Committee (RACC) and key research and conservation initiatives through the BirdLife Research Strategy

Selection Criteria

Essential

• A Degree in Conservation Biology, Environmental Science or related field with at least 5 years’ experience in the science or environmental sector
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with multiple project partners, including skills in relationship building
• Experience leading and collaborating on scientific research projects informing biodiversity conservation
• Experience in threatened species identification, prioritisation and recovery planning
• Experience prioritising project tasks, reviewing and managing project deliverables, dealing with unexpected challenges, making informed project decisions, meeting project deadlines and operating within budget
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience or skills in preparing project reports and publications

Desirable

• Knowledge of the conservation issues and challenges facing native birds and recovery programs
• Experience mobilising resources
• A PhD in Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field
• Experience collaborating with First Nations peoples in traditional knowledge and research initiatives
• Team management experience

Workstyle, attributes, and attitudes

• A highly motivated self-starter who is able to plan and manage their work proactively.
• A high level of professionalism in all work
• A strategic and innovative thinker
• A team player with a highly collaborative style
• Responds positively to feedback, can accommodate change and can provide constructive feedback
• A willingness and capacity to work flexible and long hours as and when required and to travel

Living our Values

• Promote and role model appropriate behaviours that support BirdLife Australia’s culture and values
• Actively demonstrate organisational values

Passion: We bring people together around a love of nature

Excellence: Science and knowledge is at the centre of everything we do

Leadership: We empower and inspire people to lead with courage and purpose

Collaboration  We embrace diversity and work in partnership with mutual respect

Integrity: Our success is based on experience, honesty, trust and fairness

Impact: We think globally, lead nationally

Your application must include a cover letter, a statement briefly addressing the selection criteria, and your current resume.

For any technical queries related to the position, please contact Dale Wright at [email protected] and for general queries please contact Sharon Wolff at [email protected] using the subject line: Manager - Science and Innovation enquiry via EthicalJobs.

BirdLife Australia is an equal opportunity employer. Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.